Mummers to strut at temple

The Broward County Mummers will perform at Temple Beth Kodesh in Boynton… (Submitted photo )

October 18, 2012|By Shani McManus, Staff Writer

Break out you tambourine and get ready to strut your stuff!

Decked out in Ostrich feathers and sequins and backed by a lively band of strings, bells, woodwinds, accordions, keyboard and percussion instruments, the Broward County Mummers will bring its unique style of entertainment to Temple Beth Kodesh in Boynton Beach.

The 7 p.m. concert on Oct. 21 cost $18 and promises to be worth every penny.

"The Mummers concert will be an exciting evening that will be a perfect fit with the personality of Temple Beth Kodesh," Jane Wechsler, Sisterhood president said. "Upbeat and energetic not only refers to the entertainment that the Mummers provide, but also refers to the members of the Temple. It will be a fun filled evening with a great group of people."

Ronda Bellsey, membership vice president, knows exactly where she'll be on the night the Mummers perform.

"There's no place I'd rather be on a Sunday evening than with my friends from Temple Beth Kodesh enjoying the fantastic Mummers," she said.

A Mummer is a masked or costumed entertainer, and the Broward County Mummers fill the bill when it comes to costumes, according to its website: http://www.browardmummers.com. The band continues a tradition that began more than 100 years ago with the Philadelphia Mummers Parade.

Each year, the band members vote on a theme for the new costumes. After everyone has his or her say about what they think the costume should look like, a committee makes a prototype and presents it to the rest. The costumes are designed to complement the type of music the band performs, Riverboat style Dixieland.

A Mummers band is made up of a variety of instruments with the exception of brass instruments. The musicians range from professionals to amateurs to beginners and no one is turned away who wishes to learn to play. The more experienced members teach the less experienced. Ages range from middle school kids to members in their 80s. There are also members known as "Strutters," whose job is to get audience members out of their chairs and dance. There is one individual who is the lead "Strutter," called the Captain, and he wears the most elaborate costume in the band.

The Broward County Mummers, comprised solely of volunteers, plays many venues, but most of the shows are done in retirement communities. The audiences are people who remember the music from their youth and are extremely appreciative of the songs performed.

"To watch people in their 90s and older get up and dance and listen to them sing and clap along creates a feeling that is almost indescribable for the performers," according to its website. "The 'pay' a member gets is an inner glow that comes from bringing joy to others. Creating an atmosphere of fun and happiness is what a Mummer's show is all about."

Alvin Lazarus, treasurer of Temple Beth Kodesh, lauds the temple for the variety and quality of entertainment the temple offers its congregants. He's recommending the public not to miss the show.

"After seeing several shows at Temple Beth Kodesh, I can honestly say that the quality and price are really good," he said. "I heard many good things about the Mummers, and will definitely recommend going to my friends."